Commemorating 15 years as a cornerstone of modern streetwear, Kith has announced the fourth installment of its prestigious partnership with BMW. This latest chapter expands the creative dialogue between the two brands, featuring a comprehensive capsule of apparel and accessories alongside two meticulously restored, one-of-one vehicles from Ronnie Fieg’s personal collection: a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi and a 1987 BMW M6 E24.
The Heritage of Inka Orange: A Definitive Color Story
The ongoing narrative between Kith and BMW has consistently utilized color to bridge the gap between archival automotive history and contemporary style. Having previously explored iconic shades like the M3 E30’s Cinnabar Red, the collaborative Vitality Green, and the coveted Techno Violet, the 2026 collection turns its focus to the legendary Inka Orange.
Introduced in 1971 within the 02 series, Inka Orange became the visual hallmark of BMW’s burgeoning sporting identity throughout the early 1970s. Originally engineered as a high-visibility shade for difficult driving conditions, the bold hue eventually came to symbolize the brand’s shift toward performance-oriented design and aggressive proportions. Though the color eventually phased out of standard production, it remains a holy grail for vintage BMW collectors and enthusiasts.
A Masterclass in Restoration: The 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi
To honor this historic palette, Ronnie Fieg commissioned a bespoke, frame-off restoration of the 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi—a model inextricably linked to the Inka Orange legacy. The vehicle underwent an exhaustive transformation, where the body was stripped to bare metal, KTL-treated for longevity, and finished in the signature orange paint.
The mechanical restoration stayed true to BMW’s heritage, utilizing authentic components sourced from the brand’s archives. Key features include the M30 “Big Six” engine, a period-correct transmission, and a fully overhauled suspension and braking system. Inside, the cabin is elevated with custom caramel leather featuring an embossed Kith monogram, balanced by expertly restored wood trim and vintage-inspired instrumentation.
Legacy Continued: The 1987 BMW M6 E24 Bespoke Build
Following the 3.0 CSi’s lineage, the collaboration also highlights its direct descendant: the 1987 BMW M6 E24. This one-of-one model received a comprehensive rotisserie restoration that blends classic aesthetics with subtle, modern refinements. Like the CSi, the E24 was taken down to bare metal before being repainted in Inka Orange.
The technical specifications of this build are equally impressive, featuring a rebuilt S38 inline-six engine paired with a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle sits on OEM BBS Style 5 wheels, further grounding it in late-80s automotive culture. The interior mirrors the CSi’s luxury finish, utilizing the same caramel leather and Kith-monogrammed detailing to create a cohesive design language across both generations.
Release Schedule and Kith’s 15th Anniversary Projects
The Kith for BMW 2026 collection is scheduled for a global release on August 17 at 11 a.m. EST. Fans can find the apparel, accessories, and further details at Kith flagship locations, kith.com, and via the official Kith mobile app.
This automotive project is part of a broader summer of celebrations for Kith’s 15th anniversary. The brand has simultaneously introduced a “Linen Collection” in partnership with Nike, featuring fresh takes on the Air Max 95 and Air Force 1 Low. Additionally, Fieg has expanded his footwear legacy by designing the Kith x New Balance 2011, marking the brand’s first original silhouette with New Balance.
Ultimately, the Kith x BMW 2026 collaboration serves as a high-water mark for the brand’s 15th anniversary, proving that the intersection of luxury automotive engineering and streetwear design can produce timeless, museum-quality results. By reviving Inka Orange on two of BMW’s most beloved silhouettes, Kith successfully honors the past while defining the future of collaborative lifestyle branding.
